Moving from Oklahoma City, OK to Mesquite, TX
Relocating between Oklahoma City, OK and Mesquite, TX is a 219 mi drive β 3h 55m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
219 mi Β· 3h 55m by car Β· OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, OK 9, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Fort Worth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Oklahoma City | Mesquite | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Mesquite runs about 14.0% more expensive overall than Oklahoma City β RPP 90.408 β 103.09.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $206,713 in Oklahoma City to $262,121 in Mesquite, a 14.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Oklahoma City -0.3%, Mesquite -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Oklahoma City | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 27Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.4" | 40.9" |
Expect 5.9Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US, FERRIS, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oklahoma City | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 688,693 | 148,848 |
| Median household income | $66,702 | $71,843 |
| Median age | 35 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.5% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 14.0% higher in Mesquite than Oklahoma City.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Mesquite MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oklahoma and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Mesquite average 96Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Mesquite more expensive than Oklahoma City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesquite is 14.0% higher than Oklahoma City (103.09 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Mesquite, TX from Oklahoma City, OK?
The driving distance is 219 mi and the route typically takes 3h 55m via I 35 and OK 9. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Mesquite compare to Oklahoma City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA vs $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 656,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Oklahoma City to Mesquite?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 219 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Oklahoma City vs Mesquite?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,843 in Mesquite vs $66,702 in Oklahoma City β a 7.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Mesquite compared to Oklahoma City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,121 in Mesquite vs $206,713 in Oklahoma City β a 26.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Oklahoma City.
City profiles: Oklahoma City, OK Β· Mesquite, TX.